Timothy is a leafy, fine-stemmed, tall perennial bunchgrass. Timothy is a relatively short-lived, cool-season perennial with a shallow, compact, and fibrous root system. At times, its price makes it an economical choice and a good value, even if used for only one season. It is used primarily for hay but is also used for pasture and silage. It is palatable and nutritious. It makes a great companion grass for alfalfa or clover. Timothy thrives in rich, moist bottoms and finer-textured soils, such as clay loams. Performs best with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Timothy is tolerant of somewhat poorly drained soils but does not tolerate wet soils or soils that are prone to standing water. Does not tolerate drought or prolonged high temperatures. High-yielding, high-quality, and rust-resistant, timothy grass matures 7 to 10 days later than most common varieties, giving that leeway often necessary for more favorable climatic conditions for field curing. This also makes it an ideal grass for late-spring grazing. Timothy is often selectively grazed because of its very palatable flavor and soon disappears when planted with species livestock consider less palatable under close, continuous grazing.
